Commercial Finance Analyst -Publishing

We are working with a leading Media Publishing client who is looking for a senior commercial finance analyst to join their team.

We are specifically keen to here from candidates who have worked across Retail, Media, or Publishing- B2B/B2C and it's an exciting role looking after 2 P&Ls.

You will lead on Forecasting and budgeting, manage relationships with senior stakeholders, KPIs, business partner and work closely with sales.

There is some month end and posting journals- only 3 days

Commercial Business Partnership
● Act as a finance partner to senior managers across 3 areas.
● Develop a deep understanding of financial and operational drivers.
● Provide proactive financial support and challenge to drive performance.

Performance Management & Reporting
● Deliver timely monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
● Manage monthly processes including journal posting and balance sheet reconciliations.
● Conduct value-added analysis and provide recommendations to improve financial outcomes.
● Prepare and maintain detailed KPIs for actual, forecast, and budget reporting.
● Ensure Director and senior management team manage to budget and forecast through provision of routine financial reporting and regular meetings.
● Evaluate weekly sales performance and revenue trends.
● Ensure compliance with IFRS in revenue recognition.
● Maintain quarterly bonus incentive schemes and ensure accurate payout calculation.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
● Lead the preparation of annual budgets and regular forecasts in line with business strategy.
● Improve financial models and forecasting methodologies for greater accuracy and insight.
● Deliver board-level commentary on key variances and trends.
● Perform ad-hoc analyses such as campaign profitability, scenario planning, and sensitivity analysis.
● Maintain accurate headcount reporting and analysis.
● Coordinate reports for senior leadership including Directors and Heads of Department.
● Implement best practices in FP&A to increase efficiency and scalability.
● Be part of project teams where necessary

Control & Compliance
● Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and audit requirements.
● Maintain strong financial controls and support continuous improvement initiatives.
● Uphold data integrity across financial systems including Oracle and EPM.
● Own and maintain key balance sheet reconciliations such as accrued and deferred revenue.
● Provide accurate and timely standard and ad-hoc reports to the business.

Knowledge & experience
* Part Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/FCA) or equivalent experience
* B2B/B2C experience ideally in all publishing / media
* Management accounting and planning knowledge
* Expert in Excel and capable of conceptualising and building complex business models
* Understanding of trend analysis and non-financial metrics
* Commercial Awareness
* Experience of challenging

Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds – we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.